Could you provide a reference and authenticity off the following:
“Whoever memorises the Quran, Allah will preserve his intelligence [and mind] till death”
Answer
This narration is recorded in Al Mu’jam of Imam Ibn A’arabi and Kitabu Fadailil Quran of Hafiz Abul Fadl ‘Abdur Rahman Ar Razi (rahimahumallah), as a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on the authority of Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Kitabu Fadailil Quran Wa Tilawatihi, Hadith: 117)
The chain of this Hadith consists of a narrator who has been declared weak according to some Muhaddithun and very weak according to others.
(Refer: Mizanul I’tidal, vol. 2 pg. 47, number: 2658, Al ‘Ilalul Mutanahiyah, vol. 1 pg. 115, Hadith: 155, Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 8620 and At Taysir, vol. 2 pg. 412/413)
However, it is supported by the following:
Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has recorded the following statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma):
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) explaining the Verse, ‘Thereafter [as he reaches old age] we relegate him to the lowest of the low, except those who have Iman and carry out good deeds…’” (Surah Tin, Verse: 5-6) said [the following people will be excluded from senility]:
“Whoever recites the Quran, will not be returned to abject old age [senility].”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 2 pg. 528/529. Also see: Targhib, vol. 2 pg. 355)
Imam Hakim (rahimahullah) has declared this narration authentic and ‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) concurs.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar